Comparison to Alternative Methods

SMS gateways can be created using several alternative methods, including hosted services (e.g. Twilio, Tropo, Clickatell), connecting GSM phones/modems to a computer (e.g. FrontlineSMS, RapidSMS, Kannel), and partnering directly with mobile operators.

  Benefits Drawbacks
Hosted services
  • High message throughput
  • Easy to deploy
  • No local numbers in many countries
  • Usually no MMS support
Connecting modem
to computer
  • Can work with inexpensive phone
  • Expensive hardware costs
  • Lots of moving parts to keep working
  • Very difficult for non-technical users to deploy
  • Low message throughput
  • No MMS support
Partnering with
mobile operators
  • High message throughput
  • Can provide free service to users via shortcode
  • Usually very expensive
  • Requires operator approval
  • Long setup time

KalSMS is ideal for situations where no hosted services with local numbers are available in a particular country, or when it is necessary to receive MMS messages.

KalSMS likely has lower throughput than hosted services or partnering with mobile operators, but should be able to forward up to a few thousand messages per phone per day.